Month: October 2025
A Sneak Peek at Our New Autism Services
We’re so excited to soon be offering Ontario Autism Program (OAP)-approved core clinical services for children, youth and families in Brant County, Haldimand/Norfolk, Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
Our new website with full program details and enrolment information will launch shortly — but for now, here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come:
OAP-Approved Core Clinical Services
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Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapy: One-on-one and group-based skill-building in communication, independence and daily living.
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Therapeutic Day Programs: Half-day, full-day and after-school options the blend academics, social skills and emotional regulation.
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Counselling and Psychotherapy: Mental health supports to build resilience, coping skills and well-being.
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Group Programs: Social skills groups, special interest clubs and executive function bootcamps.
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Family and Caregiver Support: Coaching, behaviour consultation and OAP navigation.
Why Choose Willowbridge?
At Willowbridge, we know every child’s journey is unique. That’s why our OAP-approved services are:
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Family-Led & Individualized — Plans are co-created with families so support truly fits your child’s needs.
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Strength-Based & Real-Life Focused — We build on each child’s abilities with strategies they can use at home, school and in the community.
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Compassionate & Trauma-Informed — Care is delivered by qualified professionals who value safety, relationships and emotional well-being.
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Flexible & Inclusive — From early years to adolescence and transition to adulthood, services grow with your family.
Together, these values shape programs that empower children and families while making sure care fits real life.
What’s Next?
In the coming weeks, we’ll launch our website with full program details, fees and funding information and enrolment instructions. Stay tuned to our newsletter to be the first to learn more about the program and when to enrol.
Our autism services will officially launch in January 2026.
While you wait to hear more about our autism services, be sure to stay connected with the greater Willowbridge community. Join our Beneath the Willow: Autism Services newsletter mailing list to stay up to date on news, resources and upcoming events. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to keep connected in real time.
Community Support Month: How Willowbridge Brings Positive Change to Life
At Willowbridge, we’re proud to support our community. Every day, our team walks alongside children, adults and families by providing, developmental services, respite care and coordination that help people thrive.
This Community Support Month, we’re celebrating the impact of these services and the generosity that makes them possible.
The impact in numbers
In 2024–2025, Willowbridge supported 2,821 community members across Brantford, Brant County, Hamilton and beyond. Together, our teams delivered:
• 1,795 counselling sessions for individuals, couples and families
• 430 service coordination supports through EnCompass, helping families access housing, medical, government and community services
• 93 respite opportunities through Routes Respite, creating space for independence, learning and connection
• 39 autism supports through the Ontario Autism Program’s Urgent Response Service, with expanded services launching soon
Behind every number is a story of someone gaining strength, skills and support when they needed it most.
Programs that make a difference
Donor generosity and grant funding fuel programs that change lives. Over the past year, we:
• Opened Java Junction, an in-house café where Routes participants practice baking, money handling and customer service
• Launched the Art of Identity program, helping individuals explore identity through creativity
• Expanded low-cost counselling services with support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, making care more accessible to families with low incomes
• Introduced the Extensive Needs Service, a partnership providing trauma-informed wraparound care for children and youth with complex needs
These programs show how Willowbridge adapts to meet evolving community needs—always with compassion, inclusion and dignity at the heart of our work.
Looking ahead
Willowbridge’s future is about growth, accessibility and innovation.
We’re preparing to launch in 2026, closing long-standing gaps in care for children and youth with autism. At the same time, we’re laying the groundwork for the Riverside Hub—a one-stop space where individuals and families can access multiple services under one roof.
We’re also leading the Safe Relationships and Your Rights Project, a province-wide initiative to prevent gender-based violence and create safer futures for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And as we grow, we’re exploring artificial intelligence to enhance services, reduce administrative burdens and better meet community needs.
With your support, these initiatives will expand what’s possible for thousands of children, youth, adults and families who rely on Willowbridge every day. To stay up to date on what’s happening at Willowbridge, be sure to sign up for our Beneath the Willow and Beneath the Willow: Autism Services newsletters.
Why your support matters
As one participant shared: “I don’t know where we would be without the services provided through Willowbridge. They have and still provide invaluable help and resources!”
Your support ensures Willowbridge can continue to be that vital community support for children, youth, adults and families.
This Community Support Month, there are many ways you can help Willowbridge continue bringing positive change to life. You can make a gift to support children, adults and families in our community, refer our services to someone who may benefit, or follow and engage with us on social media to help spread the word.
To see even more of the impact your support makes, explore our 2024-2025 Annual Report for highlights, stories and a closer look at how Willowbridge is setting the stage for growth.